Database Users

Rom Addict But...Is this too good??

I've had the Note 2 now since the release in the UK and all I can say is perfection! The barrery life is the best I have ever had! Normally end day at work still on 80-90% (My One X would be dead!)
It is smooth as silk everything works as it should! Its got the latest software already on there...
Im normally the first to root and custom rom and get rid of everything to keep pure google..but with this I dont even feel like putting on a custom rom simply worried that it may ruin it!??? Anyone else keeping away from modding their device or is it just me??

Yep. Dont see the need so far.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

I can understand you, but I rooted the fcuk out of it as soon as I got it! Too many hexcellent apps out there that demand root

Have to agree.
I've not even bothered rooting it yet, which I'd normally do on day 1, and I'm now on day 8.
I will still root at some point though, mostly for the root only apps though.
Note 2 - Android how it should be done!
Regards,
Dave
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

Pure perfection does not exist but like most here I guess there is general concensus that this is truly an amazing device we got. Though to myself how boring something that works as good as that. Anyway I use omega and also perseus kernel lovely if you want to try OC an its limit though its fast enough or even beter under volting and this furthermore seems to show how great the HW is.
Things I just dont like is the high 320 dpi funny on tab 7.7 it was too low now here to big for my taste....so waiting with hope to see changes there dreaming about paranoid with full pen support.....
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

I haven't modified or put any custom ROM every in my life and won't do it on my Note II as well.
The simpler it is, the better it is.
Sent from my GT-N7100

+1 I agree fully, this is the best out of the box Samsung device i ever had. Do not feel the need to root at all, let alone flash a custom rom wich atm adds nothing to what we allready have. Kudoz to Sammy in this case

yep agree, no need for a Custom Rom on this. It has everything you need.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

For the moment I don't think root is necessary (i can live with titanium apps not being restored, can be manually done but without its data).
I think I will root only if development breaks through the split screen multitasking to add more apps into it.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

I rooted it but after using a couple different roms I don't see any need for them. I really only wanted root to be able to remove anything I really didn't need and to be able to use any apps that require root. I might eventually use a custom kernel but that's pretty much it.

I have no desire to root my Note 2 at this time as it does everything I want from it and does so seamlessly.
Once I have my T-Mobile provided Note 2 I may well keep the international/unlocked version to toy with new ROM's and root apps. Selling this unit OTOH puts $$ back in my pocket. To be decided later. My daily carry Note 2 will remain factory stock unless a firmware update reduces its versatility or usability.

I will get my Note2 later today and the first thing i will do is root the baby. If it was only for Adfree Android and some other indispensable applications.
I will see about aftermarket ROM's later. It will depend on the usability. And if I hear you guys talking about I think that won't happen for a while.:laugh:

Rooted 15 minutes after I opened the box. I needed to transfer data from my s3
That's the only thing that is badly needed to this android. Anything else can be avoided even from a flash addict like me. ( a flash my nexus 7 twice a day to keep me sane )
There are some useful mods like skip track , call recording etc. I am with wanam 1.1 and everything looks great.
Rom is a choice for note 2 but root is necessity for android.
Come on, you are in xda , you hold an android device , chainfire already gave root and you want to stay unrooted?
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

I have bricked my first Note because of flashing addiction first and because of trying to get rid of some of its shortcomings like slow Contact app scrolling etc.now that the new one adressed all of the issues I was complaining from I didnt even see a need for a root so far, the stock ROM seems to be sufficient enogh.

I root all my devices, usually for AdAway, hate ads when browsing. Titanium backup pro as well for back ups. Usually custom roms and kernels bring user fixes to shortcomings in OEM software.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

Yea this phone is really amazing. My only gripe atm is no polaris office which I was sorta expecting. Hopefully soon they will release it. But having to switch from S3 to Note2 I am really satisfied.
With s3 i had to custom rom it on the first day. With this I dont mind the bloat, cause i still have tons of free memory.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

I rooted mainly to swap ext sd with int sd so I can install more stuff
also i cant live without the 15toggle & titanium
Its still as smooth & stable with root. I think samsung has outdone itself this time. This product is just perfect.
The battery life is awsome. it feels like its twice better then Note1.

I gave my wife my SGS III yesterday and got the Note II. I am loving it, right off the bat it does seem smoother than the S3. With that said, I immediately rooted it and installed Omega. Not so much because it needed it, more because I'm pretty much obsessed with the removal of bloatware and apps that I don't use.

toofank said:
I rooted mainly to swap ext sd with int sd so I can install more stuff
also i cant live without the 15toggle & titanium
Its still as smooth & stable with root. I think samsung has outdone itself this time. This product is just perfect.
The battery life is awsome. it feels like its twice better then Note1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did that work well???
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app

I haven't rooted mine. I was also a ROM addict on the S I and S II.
But with this TW build I don't really see a need yet. It's really good. I know a lot of people prefer the stock experience, but I personally like many of Samsungs additions.
And yeah, battery life is amazing. Not having to worry about battery life at all is probably the greatest feature of this phone.

Something better for my S5?

I have to say, I am almost done with vendor/carrier Android phones. I have had the S2, LG G2x, S3, HTC One X+, and now the Verizon S5, which was my choice of over the iPhone 5s for my corporate phone.
I have not done anything to my S5 yet, haven't installed a boat load of apps, nor does my company run any fancy, MDM work/play management software, and still this phone already feels bloated after a couple months of use. The lockscreen sometime takes many seconds to show up, only then to immediately disappear before I can even enter my lock pattern or swipe my fingerprint. And boy, does the fingerprint reader really blow compared to the iPhone. Try unlocking the phone while on the go with the fingerprint read... nearly impossible. The camera, wow sometimes takes over 20s to load. I thought going from a 1GB RAM phone to 2GB phone would make a difference. Needless to say the Samsung and Verizon bloatware finds way of eating resources up fast.
I'm stuck with this phone, and once again, it looks like I'll need to root and load a custom ROM to get this POS to run like a respectable smartphone. I'm capable and have done this to all my Android devices before (except my Nexus 7), but quite frankly I am tired of this and all the time I have spent, unlocking, downloading, backing up and loading and unloading ROMs. I only wish, there was a Google Play edition for Verizon or, I should just buy my own Nexus 6 when it comes out.
In meantime, what is the best recommendation of the clean/stripped/no frills ROM that will make my phone run and look most like a Nexus device?
Sorry for the rant, I'm not planning to go over to the fruity side either. So you guys are stuck with me.

smoothmoose said:
I have to say, I am almost done with vendor/carrier Android phones. I have had the S2, LG G2x, S3, HTC One X+, and now the Verizon S5, which was my choice of over the iPhone 5s for my corporate phone.
I have not done anything to my S5 yet, haven't installed a boat load of apps, nor does my company run any fancy, MDM work/play management software, and still this phone already feels bloated after a couple months of use. The lockscreen sometime takes many seconds to show up, only then to immediately disappear before I can even enter my lock pattern or swipe my fingerprint. And boy, does the fingerprint reader really blow compared to the iPhone. Try unlocking the phone while on the go with the fingerprint read... nearly impossible. The camera, wow sometimes takes over 20s to load. I thought going from a 1GB RAM phone to 2GB phone would make a difference. Needless to say the Samsung and Verizon bloatware finds way of eating resources up fast.
I'm stuck with this phone, and once again, it looks like I'll need to root and load a custom ROM to get this POS to run like a respectable smartphone. I'm capable and have done this to all my Android devices before (except my Nexus 7), but quite frankly I am tired of this and all the time I have spent, unlocking, downloading, backing up and loading and unloading ROMs. I only wish, there was a Google Play edition for Verizon or, I should just buy my own Nexus 6 when it comes out.
In meantime, what is the best recommendation of the clean/stripped/no frills ROM that will make my phone run and look most like a Nexus device?
Sorry for the rant, I'm not planning to go over to the fruity side either. So you guys are stuck with me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First thing I did out of the box was root, install Titanium Backup Pro and freeze everything that was not system dependent. I run supersu and Xposed framework with Wanam and some other modules. The phone has zero lag and the battery life is insanely great ... I've never had an android phone (my 4th) with such incredible battery life. I am so far beyond impressed with this phone it's un-real.

Good point. And my point is, ultimately I am needing to at minimum as you suggest root and freeze with Titanium backup, which at least a bit less of time waste than installing a new ROM. That said, I mind as well while I'm at, since I really don't find anything redeeming about Touchwiz. The bigger point, I can't imagine a non-technical user wanting to do this over-and-over again for each Android phone they get.
I agree battery life is very good, even stock. I'm running in power saving mode. That is the only redeeming quality I have found so far...

smoothmoose said:
Good point. And my point is, ultimately I am needing to at minimum as you suggest root and freeze with Titanium backup, which at least a bit less of time waste than installing a new ROM. That said, I mind as well while I'm at, since I really don't find anything redeeming about Touchwiz. The bigger point, I can't imagine a non-technical user wanting to do this over-and-over again for each Android phone they get.
I agree battery life is very good, even stock. I'm running in power saving mode. That is the only redeeming quality I have found so far...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Obviously running in power saving mode is going to slow down system performance .
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app

huedawg said:
Obviously running in power saving mode is going to slow down system performance .
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Power savings mode throttles down the CPU around 30% and dims the screen. This is no way should cause the lockscreen to take over 5s to pop up or the camera 20s to load. I am not playing any 3D games or anything like this. I'm pretty sure it's just bloated software eating away at the 2GB of RAM.
My HTC One X+ never slowed to a crawl like this on power saving mode. The issue with that phone was the battery life and hence...power savings mode.

smoothmoose said:
Power savings mode throttles down the CPU around 30% and dims the screen. This is no way should cause the lockscreen to take over 5s to pop up or the camera 20s to load. I am not playing any 3D games or anything like this. I'm pretty sure it's just bloated software eating away at the 2GB of RAM.
My HTC One X+ never slowed to a crawl like this on power saving mode. The issue with that phone was the battery life and hence...power savings mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you have a bad phone . ?
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app

Not experiencing any of the problems you have man. INSANE battery life, extremely snappy performance, I personally have grown to like touchwiz alot. Why dont you at the very least just do a fresh flash with stock firmware and it'll fix alot of your issues or go install one of the roms like SLIMHYDE and youll never have those issues again unless the above poster was right and you just have a bad phone, which is easy to get replaced.

huedawg said:
Then you have a bad phone . ?
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
damagi123 said:
Not experiencing any of the problems you have man. INSANE battery life, extremely snappy performance, I personally have grown to like touchwiz alot. Why dont you at the very least just do a fresh flash with stock firmware and it'll fix alot of your issues or go install one of the roms like SLIMHYDE and youll never have those issues again unless the above poster was right and you just have a bad phone, which is easy to get replaced.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably only a slight possibility my phone is defective. Usually things speed back up if I reboot the phone. But things slow to crawl usually after about 2 days of use.
I can definitely try to do a clean reset, freeze apps, install new ROM, etc. My point is, I really shouldn't need to do this for a top of line smartphone. Again, the only Android device that hasn't presented these issues and I am happy to run stock is my Nexus 7. I guess I should save some pennies for the Nexus 6 phone...great way to suck more $$ out of me.

smoothmoose said:
Probably only a slight possibility my phone is defective. Usually things speed back up if I reboot the phone. But things slow to crawl usually after about 2 days of use.
I can definitely try to do a clean reset, freeze apps, install new ROM, etc. My point is, I really shouldn't need to do this for a top of line smartphone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess my point is , is that very few people are having to do that . That leans more towards a bad device than anything else . Perhaps you have something that is running using system resources ?

smoothmoose said:
I have to say, I am almost done with vendor/carrier Android phones. I have had the S2, LG G2x, S3, HTC One X+, and now the Verizon S5, which was my choice of over the iPhone 5s for my corporate phone.
I have not done anything to my S5 yet, haven't installed a boat load of apps, nor does my company run any fancy, MDM work/play management software, and still this phone already feels bloated after a couple months of use. The lockscreen sometime takes many seconds to show up, only then to immediately disappear before I can even enter my lock pattern or swipe my fingerprint. And boy, does the fingerprint reader really blow compared to the iPhone. Try unlocking the phone while on the go with the fingerprint read... nearly impossible. The camera, wow sometimes takes over 20s to load. I thought going from a 1GB RAM phone to 2GB phone would make a difference. Needless to say the Samsung and Verizon bloatware finds way of eating resources up fast.
I'm stuck with this phone, and once again, it looks like I'll need to root and load a custom ROM to get this POS to run like a respectable smartphone. I'm capable and have done this to all my Android devices before (except my Nexus 7), but quite frankly I am tired of this and all the time I have spent, unlocking, downloading, backing up and loading and unloading ROMs. I only wish, there was a Google Play edition for Verizon or, I should just buy my own Nexus 6 when it comes out.
In meantime, what is the best recommendation of the clean/stripped/no frills ROM that will make my phone run and look most like a Nexus device?
Sorry for the rant, I'm not planning to go over to the fruity side either. So you guys are stuck with me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, I feel your pain. This will be my last Samsung device because of their dogsh*t software and locked hardware. The phone slows down over time, there is no doubt. The only great thing about the S5 is the hardware, putting CM would have made it by FAR the best phone out.
Regardless, I have rooted and debloated. I have enabled Wifi tethering, enabled voice recording, etc. For the most part I am pretty satisfied right now.
I am waiting for the next version of the LG phone, G4 maybe? Or a clean Google phone on Verizon.

[Q] Since You Have Nexus 6P Without Rooting Would You Still Choose it #1

This is for those that CURRENTLY own the Nexus 6P and have no plans on rooting it.
Would you still choose it over any other Smartphone today whether Android or Apple?

painfree said:
This is for those that CURRENTLY own the Nexus 6P and have no plans on rooting it.
Would you still choose it over any other Smartphone today whether Android or Apple?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely. The hot mess that AOSP LP was turned me off of custom ROMs when the final dev preview came out on my n6. Different carrier builds, the custom I really wanted to use didn't have wificalling. To many pieces were missing from AOSP. It was like a damn treasure hunt. I'm going to stay stock for a bit since M is so stable and fluid. Battery life is more than I need. It's good to see that everything is merged again into a single build, if something groundbreaking or fun is developed I might start tinkering again
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

I'm on the fence on rooting. at this point I only want to do it to raise the headphone levels. just for when I have to plug it into a stereo (which I do often) for now Im just using my N9 to plug in instead.
And yes I would still choose it. this is a damn good phone where there isn't much that i look at other devices and wish I had..
I have seen the Iphone 6s i would only want the fluidity of its camera app on my device. the camera app has improved but still has room to improve.

I am also in the fence about rooting. This phone runs beautifully. The only thing I really want root for is to run layers themes.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Exynos users: happy with your phone?

Hi folks,
I've thinking of picking up an S7 Edge tomorrow and want to see how Exynos users are enjoying the phone. I had the S6 last year and thought the performance was decent; there were a few instances where I noticed a small amount of lag/frame drops. With that, a few questions:
- Are you happy with your purchase?
- Does your phone ever have micro stutters?
- I plan on installing Nova Launcher on day 1. If you have this set up, do you notice any hiccups? I tried a store demo unit and it was incredibly smooth.
- Would you purchase the S7 instead if you could do it again?
- Are there any key things you dislike about the hardware or software?
Thanks.

I had the ATT S6E and an international s6-edge-plus and loved both but my S7Edge international is a far superior device. I only use Nova Prime on my OPX I use T/W on the S7E. I'm rooted running Echoe Rom and Dark Carnage theme and am thoroughly satisfied with it. In my humble opinion it's Sammy's best Galaxy by far.
"All we know is...He's called the Stig!"
Sent from my Echoe driven G935F

I have Exynos variant and I never experienced any stutters or lags, besides the SD820 has the better GPU, but the Exynos has the better CPU, if thats what your comparing.
ooh and open bootloader, open for rooting.

Where do you get these themes from @s7freak?
Also im loving my S7E. Came from a s5 with AllianceRom and was extremely happy with it. Took the dive and got this phone and man i have to say it goes well beyond my expectations. Throw in EchoRom and a couple of xposed goodies and this thing flys.
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

MRDOCA said:
Where do you get these themes from @s7freak?
Also im loving my S7E. Came from a s5 with AllianceRom and was extremely happy with it. Took the dive and got this phone and man i have to say it goes well beyond my expectations. Throw in EchoRom and a couple of xposed goodies and this thing flys.
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right here my friend my theme buddies
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2447482
"All we know is...He's called the Stig!"
Sent from my Echoe driven G935F

Thanks bro will have to check them all out
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

I'm so happy with my phone, amazing battery, amazing performance, amazing screen, amazing design. No problems until now, except for the Android System drain which started after last update.
Sended from my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Gold Platinum

The Exynos has come along way only annoyance (for some ) is that AOSP Roms are unlikely to happen as Samsung hold on tight to their Source code....
However when you have Echoe on its not even a thought, as the Freak says it just flies.....
The S7 Edge is such a great refinement all round and when you pick it up you'll see just what we are on about....
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA-Developers mobile app

Came from an iPhone 6s plus and have to say that it's not as fluid as iOS but it's the best I've seen on android.

Thanks for the responses guys. Would you suggest rooting and flashing a ROM or staying stock? Two things: what's Echoe, and what's a good ROM for performance?

s7freak said:
Right here my friend my theme buddies
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2447482
"All we know is...He's called the Stig!"
Sent from my Echoe driven G935F
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is the ROM .does it have any issues . . how's speed compared to stock firmware and can I install that theme without root ? .is it advantageous to root this beast .I don't find much of performance inadequacies to make such a decision .but the advantage of xposed framework modules does have me thinking .someone give me an idea ?
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA-Developers mobile app

Sathyakrish said:
How is the ROM .does it have any issues . . how's speed compared to stock firmware and can I install that theme without root ? .is it advantageous to root this beast .I don't find much of performance inadequacies to make such a decision .but the advantage of xposed framework modules does have me thinking .someone give me an idea ?
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rom is flawless if following OP properly. Yes you can install the theme without Root again by following OP. I Root mainly to debloat what I CHOOSE to debloat because some dev's remove things that I use.
It's all on your personal preference.
"All we know is...He's called the Stig!"
Sent from my Echoe driven G935F

These are all things that vary and my opinion is exactly that...
However here is my opinion: As I always root my devices as this gives me greater control of how I like my phone setup, Xposed does or can have an effect on performance depending what Mods you use, but even without it will have a tiny effect regardless (however I have Xposed running for YouTube addaway, Background playback...
Echoe Rom is the Smoothest & Created by a great developer....
As for advantages of root there are many as this gives you system access, allowing you to Customise to your liking...
However spend some time reading about it and take it from there....
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA-Developers mobile app

Best android phone I've owned since the first Google Nexus.
7+ hours sot with everything on including location and 14hrs off charge.
Fast and doesn't heat up.
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA Free mobile app

The only annoyance with the S7E in my opinion:
Knox
Battery (1 day (2 if you're lucky))
Status bar icons - always greyish
Edge screen for typing.
Because of the curve edge, I tend to hit the keys on the side. I sometimes end up hitting the wrong keys but sometimes keys no where near where I pressed.
I am sure I will learn round these but those are the only issues.
I am still debating rooting. I havn't seen much feedback of other users
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA-Developers mobile app

danv28 said:
Hi folks,
I've thinking of picking up an S7 Edge tomorrow and want to see how Exynos users are enjoying the phone. I had the S6 last year and thought the performance was decent; there were a few instances where I noticed a small amount of lag/frame drops. With that, a few questions:
- Are you happy with your purchase?
- Does your phone ever have micro stutters?
- I plan on installing Nova Launcher on day 1. If you have this set up, do you notice any hiccups? I tried a store demo unit and it was incredibly smooth.
- Would you purchase the S7 instead if you could do it again?
- Are there any key things you dislike about the hardware or software?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- Yes, i'm still overhyped. This Phone is a very very pleasing experience to use.
Battery Life is one of the BEST i've ever seen in any Phone. On normal Usage (whatsapp, browsing, etc. Not heavy Gaming, or heavy 9gag browsing (9gag drains battery quite good)) i can hit 7-8 hours screen-on-time EASY. One time, i hit 5 Hours screen on time, and still had exactly 50% Battery Left. This phone can be a BEAST when it comes to battery Life.
Of course, it helps if you disable stuff like "always search for Wlan/Bluetooth", and use a Dark Theme to make use of Amoled.
The Exynos version has like a 15-35% longer battery Life, depending on situation/apps used than the snapdragon version, you can Root it and isntall custom recoveries, and the Audiochip is better (for Headphones)
- I bet it does. The Question is, if you notice it.. Theres an option, that makes it visible, if you get any Frame drops. During heavy usage, there will be some frame drops for sure (No Android phone exists, where this isnt the case!!). However, on my subjective feeling, its very snappy, and very smooth. The overpowered CPU, GPU, and the fast UFS 2.0 storage (with 4gb ram) are a very nice combination.
So i think, the Exynos S7(Edge) is the phone, with one of the Fewest micro stutters there is in the Android world.
- not using nova launcher, because i'm quite happy with the stock one. But i don't think, you will have any issues.
- Nope. I chose the S7 Edge over teh S7, mainly because of the bigger Battery. And mayyybe because of the slightly bigger screen. I came from an HTC One M8, which was just a few mm smaller than the S7 Edge.
S7 Edge has maybe 10-30% longer battery life, depending on situation.
- A Few things i dislike:
On Touchwiz Launcher, there is no automatic alphabetical order in the App Launcher. When you download new apps, you have to sort it manually.
In Task Switcher, the apps are scrollable with kind of Grid. Stock google is much smoother, as there is no Grid at all. Difficult to explain, but it feels strange to scroll up and down.
Headphone jack could have a bit more "power", and maybe Quality. But only veeeeeery enthusiastic audiophiles will complain here. I use my 399€ UE 900 in-ear-monitors, and have no issues. It sounds clean, and correct. No distortions, or a false frequency response or anything.
But all complains here from me, are just very little minor stuff. After using it for almost 2 months now, i truly understand, why so many Reviewers crowned it as the best Smartphone so far, and also called it "close to perfection".
Checking all the Specs, and the overall package, it truly is THE Best (Android) Smartphone, you can buy right now. Even more with the better Exynos chip.

My only annoyance is the fact that the home button is raised, and the fingerprint sensor is not always-on. I would have much preferred to unlock the phone just by touching the home button and not pressing it. Right now I'm using the phone without any security.
Another annoyance, coming from an LG G2, is the lack of double-tap to wake. That was a really really useful feature.
And a final one, the AOD screen is just useless. It doesn't display all notifications like the LG G5, only missed calls and SMS messages.

Happy but not as i should be, All galaxies s7 i tested with angry birds 2 and PPSSPP emulator perform poorly, that not due to hardware but some new software features they introduced with 6.0.1, disable gameservices does not help, rooting and forcing governor to performance eliminates a lot of it but it's not perfect.
When Note 5 got 6.0.1 i had same issues, went back to 5.1.1 and all working perfect!!! it might not affect all games, but those two it does and that freaking annoying, there are some lags here and there, touchwiz lags other than that, no other flagship can beat S7.

Everything is perfect!!
Except for the knox.
So i cant root and get roms and xposed..
Except for the accidental touches due to the edge.
Tho when i bought a spigen hybrid case.. everything is fine.
Its quite thicker but it feels safer on my hands.

Hopefully a quick, easy question...

Hello all. I haven't poked or prodded, or gone "under the hood" since I picked up the Nexus 6P at launch. I started to have problems with battery life when the Nougat betas started rolling out. So I jumped to the OnePlus 3T. Things are better, but I still miss the actual Google experience. I'm curious if it would be possible to mod the 6P to give me all the things I want. Below is my list. Let me know if it's possible, please, and I'll try to figure it out on my own. A lot has changed since my Nexus 5...
First, I'd like to modify the build prop to where I can get access to the pixel launcher directly from the play store. I know this is easy, but I'm not sure if it will work with the other wishes.
Second, I'd like to be able to run with Franco's kernel. I think this would greatly help my battery life issues.
I'd like to be able to keep Android pay, as I see it as a huge security benefit (plus, I'm trying to get down to just my phone and keys, no wallet).
Lastly, if possible, I'd like to relock the bootloader. I know this one isn't very likely, but like I said, it's a wish list of sorts.
Any and all advice is appreciated!

Based on your needs, sound like keeping your phone running on stock unrooted is the best idea. You can just install the pixel launcher from apkmirror.
Magisk is able to hide root and let you retain the ability to use Android pay, for now. In the future, it may not be able to and you would need to be on stock for it the work. You'll get updates without the headache of having to use a computer or flash different recoveries just to update.
In terms of battery, a 3450mah battery in a nonbloated phone should be yielding you good battery life. If not, check for a rogue app.
Rooting and modding isn't the same as it was in '09, it's gotten to the point where it's just more of a hassle and headache just to get it running as it should/properly. Android has gone a long way in terms of security measures which is a huge plus but it also hurts the modding ability at the same time.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

You would need to be rooted to use a custom kernel and you can't have a locked bootloader and be rooted on the 6P. If you want to use Android Pay on a rooted phone Magidisc and PhilsSU are the only options that I know of. You will get better battery life with Franco's kernel but it will never be great on this phone. Can't the one plus 3 be modded to give you a more Google experience? I read that the developer activity was very active with that phone.

jhs39 said:
You would need to be rooted to use a custom kernel and you can't have a locked bootloader and be rooted on the 6P. If you want to use Android Pay on a rooted phone Magidisc and PhilsSU are the only options that I know of. You will get better battery life with Franco's kernel but it will never be great on this phone. Can't the one plus 3 be modded to give you a more Google experience? I read that the developer activity was very active with that phone.
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Totally derped on the custom kernel requiring root. The 3T does have a pretty deep community, but there's a little bit of a disconnect between the 3 and 3T. Another big thing for me is the touch latency. I swipe to type on the Gboard, and I'm always having to manually type words, because the 3T can't keep up. Never had the issue with the 6P though. Thanks for the advice on the 6P though. Might make it a weekend project, before switching my DD.

Seattleite said:
Totally derped on the custom kernel requiring root. The 3T does have a pretty deep community, but there's a little bit of a disconnect between the 3 and 3T. Another big thing for me is the touch latency. I swipe to type on the Gboard, and I'm always having to manually type words, because the 3T can't keep up. Never had the issue with the 6P though. Thanks for the advice on the 6P though. Might make it a weekend project, before switching my DD.
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That's interesting. I thought the 3T was supposed to be a pretty fast phone. I'm in the market for something to replace my 6p since it probably won't last too far past the end of the warranty. It sounds like the 3T isn't it.

jhs39 said:
That's interesting. I thought the 3T was supposed to be a pretty fast phone. I'm in the market for something to replace my 6p since it probably won't last too far past the end of the warranty. It sounds like the 3T isn't it.
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Oh, it's definitely a fast phone! Screen latency just isn't up to Nexus level. It's a great phone, no question. I would just like to jump back to "pure" Android sometimes. 3T, IMO, no better phone, for the value. Very customizable for sure, and solid as a rock (yay for 6GB of RAM!). Just feels slightly different from where I've made my home, since the Galaxy Nexus. The updates are even getting regular, to where you shouldn't worry about being left behind. I just miss carrying a little piece of Google with me from time to time.